Fireworks will fly July 4

Grand Haven City Council recently approved a contract with Wolverine Fireworks of Kawkawlin to conduct the July 4 show for a cost of $22,000.

“I’m just really excited about it,” Mayor Geri McCaleb said of the display.

City Manager Pat McGinnis said the city received proposals from the previous fireworks provider, Mad Bomber, along with Wolverine. The city ultimately chose to go with the new company, noting that there were concerns expressed by local representatives about the previous company used by the Grand Haven Area Jaycees for the show.

The new company provided a sample showing of their product during the Grand Haven Musical Fountain rededication ceremony in May.

“They do a lot of fireworks shows around the state,” McGinnis said.

The two companies were the only ones who submitted proposals, as the fireworks show wasn’t put out for open bidding.

“We were under pressure, so we didn’t have time to do a full-blown request for qualifications,” McGinnis said.

The show is being made possible by $10,000 contributions from both the City of Grand Haven and Grand Haven Township, as well as fundraising efforts through the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

The foundation's president, Holly Johnson, said they've received $3,750 for the show as of Friday.

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